• 1/48 scale F/A-18A Hornet plastic model kit by HobbyBoss (Kit No. 80320)
• Represents the famous McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet, one of the most successful American carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft
• Developed for the United States Navy (USN) and United States Marine Corps (USMC)
• Features the distinctive twin-engine configuration, twin vertical stabilisers, leading-edge root extensions and carrier-capable landing gear
• Designed to perform both fighter and attack missions, reflected in its F/A designation
• The F/A-18 Hornet first flew in November 1978 and entered operational service with the US Marine Corps in 1983
• The F/A-18A was the original single-seat production variant of the Hornet family
• Developed to replace several older US Navy and Marine Corps aircraft types, including the F-4 Phantom II, A-7 Corsair II and A-4 Skyhawk in selected roles
• Designed for air superiority, fleet air defence, fighter escort, ground attack and precision strike operations
• Powered by two General Electric F404-GE-400 afterburning turbofan engines
• Each engine produces approximately 16,000 pounds of thrust with afterburner
• Capable of reaching speeds of approximately Mach 1.8 at altitude
• Features an advanced digital fly-by-wire flight control system for excellent manoeuvrability and handling
• The Hornet's large leading-edge root extensions generate additional lift during high-angle-of-attack manoeuvres
• Equipped with a strong undercarriage, arrestor hook and folding wings for aircraft carrier operations
• Designed to withstand the demanding conditions of catapult launches and arrested carrier landings
• Features a spacious bubble canopy providing excellent pilot visibility
• Equipped with the AN/APG-65 pulse-Doppler radar, supporting air-to-air and air-to-ground missions
• Armed with an internal 20mm M61A1 Vulcan rotary cannon mounted in the nose
• Capable of carrying AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-7 Sparrow and later AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, depending on operational period and upgrades
• Compatible with a variety of conventional bombs, guided weapons, rockets and external fuel tanks
• The Hornet's versatile weapons systems allowed it to switch between air combat and ground attack missions
• The F/A-18A was extensively operated from American aircraft carriers during the late Cold War and subsequent conflicts
• Participated in Operation El Dorado Canyon in 1986, the US air strikes against Libya
• F/A-18A aircraft also served during Operation Desert Storm in 1991
• During the Gulf War, Hornets conducted both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions
• The F/A-18A became particularly famous for its ability to perform multiple combat roles during a single sortie
• The aircraft also served with the US Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron
• Exported to several allied air forces, including Australia, Canada and Spain, in different Hornet configurations
• The F/A-18A formed the basis for later F/A-18C/D Hornet variants and influenced the development of the larger F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
• Represents an important chapter in American naval aviation, Cold War fighter development and modern carrier-based combat aircraft engineering
• HobbyBoss 1/48 scale plastic model kit recreating the original single-seat F/A-18A Hornet
• Features 246 plastic parts across 10 sprues
• Reproduces the distinctive twin-engine fuselage, swept wings and twin-tail configuration
• Features detailed aircraft components suitable for careful painting and finishing
• Includes US Navy marking options for recreating an American carrier-based fighter
• The Hornet's distinctive cockpit and canopy provide an attractive focal point for display
• The twin exhaust nozzles offer excellent opportunities for realistic metallic painting and heat staining
• The undercarriage and landing gear bays provide opportunities for detailed mechanical painting
• Ideal for recreating the classic US Navy tactical grey aircraft finish
• Suitable for realistic panel line washes, subtle paint fading, hydraulic fluid staining and operational weathering
• The aircraft's carrier-based design makes it an excellent subject for US Navy flight deck dioramas
• Suitable for displaying alongside compatible 1/48 scale aircraft carrier deck crew, tow tractors and ground support equipment, available separately
• Excellent companion to F/A-18C Hornet, F/A-18D Hornet, F-14 Tomcat, A-7 Corsair II, A-6 Intruder and F-4 Phantom II models
• Ideal for collectors of US Navy aircraft, American fighter jets, carrier-based aviation and modern military aircraft
• Completed model measures approximately 353.5mm in length and 253.8mm in wingspan
• The large 1/48 scale provides an impressive display size and excellent opportunities for detailed finishing
• A distinctive addition to any collection of HobbyBoss aircraft models and 1/48 scale modern fighter jets
• Brand: HobbyBoss
• Kit Number: 80320
• Scale: 1/48
• Subject: McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet
• Aircraft Type: Single-Seat Carrier-Based Multirole Fighter / Attack Aircraft
• Operator Represented: United States Navy (USN)
• Original Aircraft Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas / Northrop
• Engines: Two General Electric F404-GE-400 Afterburning Turbofans
• Primary Armament: 20mm M61A1 Vulcan Cannon
• Historical Period: Late Cold War / Modern Military Aviation
• Country: United States
• Total Parts: 246
• Total Sprues: 10
• Completed Length: 353.5mm
• Completed Wingspan: 253.8mm
• Markings: US Navy
• Category: Modern Military Aircraft Plastic Model Kit
• Material: Plastic
• Kit supplied unpainted and unassembled
• Glue and paint not included
• Recommended for modellers aged 14+
